Greenbank Bungalow Renovation: Ensuite, Kitchen and Attic Storage

This Greenbank bungalow renovation introduced a new ensuite bathroom, improved the kitchen layout, upgraded the wall insulation and transformed an underused attic into practical storage. The project demonstrates how a carefully planned house renovation in Edinburgh can improve the comfort and functionality of an existing home while preserving its original character.

The work was carefully planned around the character and existing fabric of the property. New additions were integrated with original details such as the skirting boards and picture rails, while targeted structural and thermal improvements made the home better suited to modern living.

The finished project demonstrates how a traditional Edinburgh bungalow can be adapted without losing the features that give it its identity. It also reflects the varied work involved in renovating properties in Greenbank and south Edinburgh.

For homeowners considering property renovations in Edinburgh, this project illustrates the benefits of coordinating bathroom installation, kitchen alterations, insulation improvements and bespoke joinery as part of one managed home refurbishment.

Bathroom Renovation Edinburgh: Creating a New Ensuite

The new ensuite was formed within one corner of the bedroom, away from the property's existing plumbing connections. Introducing a bathroom in this position required new water supplies, drainage and internal finishes to be carefully coordinated.

Hot and cold water feeds were routed beneath the floor to the new ensuite. The toilet waste was taken through the external wall and connected to the existing bathroom drainage system.

Once the plumbing was in place, the new enclosure was finished to sit naturally within the bedroom. Existing details, including the skirting boards and picture rail, were carefully matched so the ensuite did not feel like a later, disconnected addition.

The result is a discreet and convenient new bathroom that makes better use of the bedroom without compromising the character of the room.

For homeowners planning a bathroom renovation in Edinburgh, this project demonstrates how an additional ensuite can sometimes be incorporated into an existing bedroom. Unlike a straightforward bathroom remodel, creating a completely new bathroom requires careful consideration of the available space, plumbing connections, drainage and ventilation.

By coordinating the building work, plumbing installation and internal joinery, we were able to integrate the new ensuite into the original bedroom without introducing finishes that looked out of place.

Kitchen Installation Edinburgh: Adapting the Fireplace for a Range Cooker

The kitchen layout was altered to accommodate a new range cooker within the original fireplace recess.

The existing stone lintel was positioned too low for the appliance, so it was carefully removed and replaced with a new concrete lintel at a higher level. This created the necessary opening while continuing to support the masonry above.

An extractor fan was installed within the chimney to provide ventilation without introducing an intrusive new element into the kitchen. The recess and surrounding area were then tiled to create a durable and cohesive finish around the cooker.

These alterations retained the architectural presence of the original fireplace opening while giving it a useful new role within the modernised kitchen.

For homeowners planning a kitchen installation in Edinburgh, this project illustrates how adapting an existing kitchen can involve more than fitting new cabinetry or appliances. Accommodating the range cooker required structural alterations to the fireplace opening, a replacement lintel, ventilation and carefully coordinated finishing work.

Our approach to kitchen renovations brings these different elements together, allowing the building work and kitchen installation to be managed as part of one project. Learn more about our kitchen renovation and installation work in Edinburgh.

Improving Wall Insulation and Thermal Performance

The external walls in the kitchen and new ensuite were stripped back so that new thermal insulation could be installed.

Improving these areas of the building fabric helped reduce heat loss and made both rooms more comfortable. The upgraded walls were then replastered and finished with a smooth skim coat, leaving them ready for decoration.

This work improved the thermal performance of the rooms while also providing a clean, consistent finish around the newly installed kitchen and ensuite.

Improving insulation is an important consideration during a home refurbishment in Edinburgh, particularly in older properties where the existing building fabric may not provide the level of thermal performance expected in a modern home.

By incorporating the insulation upgrades into the wider bungalow renovation, we could improve comfort while completing the other building alterations and internal finishing work.

Attic Renovation Edinburgh: Creating Practical Storage

The existing roof void was underused, with exposed timbers, incomplete floorboards and no organised storage.

Rather than converting the attic into habitable accommodation, we improved it specifically for safe and practical household storage. The upright roof supports were lined with plywood panels, giving the space a cleaner finish and creating suitable surfaces for storage.

Adjustable bespoke shelving was installed to make use of the available height and allow the arrangement to be changed as required. Missing and damaged floorboards were also repaired to provide a more stable walking surface.

The completed attic is now easier to navigate and considerably more useful, while remaining clearly defined as storage rather than living space.

For homeowners considering an attic renovation in Edinburgh, making better use of an existing roof space does not always require a full loft conversion. Where additional living accommodation is not needed, improvements to access, flooring and fitted storage can provide a practical alternative.

In this Greenbank bungalow, bespoke joinery and carefully planned storage improvements transformed an awkward, underused roof void into an organised space for household belongings.

Bespoke Joinery Edinburgh: Improving Attic Access

The existing access opening was modified to make entry into the attic more straightforward.

A reclaimed solid-wood four-panel door was adapted to form a new insulated attic hatch. Repurposing the door provided a robust and characterful solution while helping reduce heat movement between the house and the unheated roof space.

Together with the repaired flooring, plywood lining and adjustable shelving, the improved hatch completed the transformation of an awkward attic into an organised and accessible storage area.

This is an example of how bespoke joinery in Edinburgh can provide practical solutions for unusual spaces. By adapting an existing timber door and constructing made-to-measure storage, we were able to improve the attic's functionality while retaining materials and details suited to the character of the bungalow.

The Completed Greenbank Bungalow Renovation

This project delivered several practical improvements without unnecessarily altering the character of the bungalow.

The new ensuite adds convenience to the bedroom, while matched joinery allows it to sit comfortably within the original interior. The modified fireplace opening accommodates the new range cooker, and the upgraded insulation improves warmth in the kitchen and bathroom areas.

Above, the previously underused attic now provides accessible storage with repaired flooring, fitted shelving and an insulated hatch.

Together, these changes have created a more functional and comfortable home while respecting the scale and architectural details of the original property.

This Greenbank project demonstrates how a coordinated home renovation in Edinburgh can bring together bathroom installation, kitchen alterations, insulation improvements and bespoke joinery without requiring a complete redesign of the property.

Planning a House Renovation in Edinburgh?

Johnstone Joinery & Building is an Edinburgh building company providing fully managed residential renovations, structural alterations, kitchen and bathroom installations, attic improvements and bespoke joinery.

Whether you're planning a bungalow refurbishment, a whole house renovation in Edinburgh or targeted improvements to your existing home, Martin can coordinate the building work and specialist trades involved. Our approach brings the different construction stages together under one experienced team.

If you're comparing builders in Edinburgh or looking for experienced Edinburgh building contractors to manage your property renovation, explore more of our completed Edinburgh renovation projects or contact Johnstone Joinery & Building to discuss your bungalow renovation.